Washington (CNN) - Ted Kennedy, Jr. is forgoing the chance to follow his famous father into the halls of the Senate next year, telling the Connecticut Post he wants to focus on being a dad.

"I've been clear about my desire and my hope to go into public service at some point in my life," the 49-year-old Kennedy told the paper. "The issue is not, do I have the passion or energy, or could I be an effective representative. The issue is my need to lead a balanced life and be a father to my kids."
Kennedy has lived in Connecticut for several years, having attended three schools in the state - Wesleyan, Yale, and the University of Connecticut law school. Democrats immediately floated his name as a potential top notch candidate to vie for the seat being vacated by independent Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Two Democrats have said they are running – Rep. Chris Murphy and former Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz.